by Kevin D. Mitnick (Author) William L. Simon (Author) Steve Wozniak (Foreword)

Mitnick is the most famous computer hacker in the world. Since his first arrest in 1981,
at age 17, he has spent nearly half his adult life either in prison or as a fugitive.
He has been the subject of three books and his alleged 1982 hack into NORAD inspired the movie
War Games. Since his plea-bargain release in 2000, he says he has reformed and is devoting his
talents to helping computer security. It's not clear whether this book is a means toward that
end or a, wink-wink, fictionalized account of his exploits, with his name changed to protect
his parole terms. Either way, it's a tour de force, a series of tales of how some old-fashioned
blarney and high-tech skills can pry any information from anyone. As entertainment, it's like
reading the climaxes of a dozen complex thrillers, one after the other. As a security education,
it's a great series of cautionary tales; however, the advice to employees not to give anyone
their passwords is bland compared to the depth and energy of Mitnick's descriptions of how he
actually hacked into systems. As a manual for a would-be hacker, it's dated and nonspecific
better stuff is available on the Internet but it teaches the timeless spirit of the hack.
Between the lines, a portrait emerges of the old-fashioned hacker stereotype: a socially
challenged, obsessive loser addicted to an intoxicating sense of power that comes only from
stalking and spying.

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